The phone has been ringing non stop ever since they arrived in Japan a week ago.
Megumi let out a heavy sigh as Ryouji got up from the bed and walked away from the room to receive the call.
The reality of marrying Ryouji Akagi finally kicked in. It was easy and nice to have him all to herself for the past six months while she finished her placement and Ryouji doing his language school. They had travelled around Europe every chance they had, rekindling their relationship and making up for all those lost years.
But now they're back in Japan, she knew it would all changed. She would have to share him with his company and work commitments. She had to eventually face his family and prepare for their official wedding celebration with her family and friends.
She let out another sigh when there's a knock on the door. Ryouji looked up as she walked past him in the living room. He gestured for her to answer the door as he pointed to phone. She nodded knowingly.
The knock on the door getting louder and impatient making her rushed to the door to stop the banging. But she wasn't prepared to find a familiar face behind it.
"Ah!" Chiemi Kai let out a surprise gasp at the sight of her. It's been a while since they last saw each other.
The last time she saw her was on Goggle V set before she was dating Ryouji. And the last time she heard of her was when she returned from London only to learn that Chiemi Kai has been an intimate friend with Ryouji. He never saw her or accepted her calls other than for business purposes after that.
Ryouji has made it clear that he would be faithful to his wife but not going to let go a lot of artists in his management that he had relationship with in the past and she respected that decision. Afterall, the past should stay in past.
Unless the past was making a come back to the present.
After an awkward silence, Chiemi smiled at her as she tried to peek inside the apartment.
"Long time no see!" She greeted sweetly. "Miki, isn't it?"
Megumi nodded slowly, still not trusting her feelings and the sight of her husband's past lover in front of her. She's a year younger than her and has that youthful and innocent look about her.
"Is Ryouji at home?"
She nodded once again. "Ah. Yes.. he's home. Is he expecting you?"
Chiemi giggled sweetly. "Not really. It's been so hard to get in touch with him. I heard he was overseas the past few months. But I heard he's back..So, I thought I would drop by and surprise him." She explained. "What are you doing here? I didn't know you're still in touch with him all this time. I thought you're overseas."
Megumi's eyes widened in surprise. Chiemi didn't know that Ryouji got married? Just what was she there for? Megumi felt her blood rising slightly.
She was already struggling to face their changing routine in japan with his work commitment and definitely not ready to face his past flings.
"Well.. I'm back to Japan for good now." She finally said. She was contemplating to let Chiemi knows that Ryouji was married but decided to let him deliver the news instead. Afterall, not many people knew about their marriage. They were suppose to organise an official wedding celebration in Japan sometimes that year. Somehow, she didn't think it important to let anyone know until now.
"Oh! I see. Are you also managed by Ryouji's management now? Is that why you're here?" Chiemi probed.
Megumi smiled at her, feeling amused now. The fact that Chiemi found her at Ryouji's place and didn't think much of it told her that it's very normal for Ryouji to have female over at his place. It didn't seem to bother Chiemi at all. She shuddered at the thought of Ryouji's past lifestyle. A small fear made her wonder if Ryouji missed those lifestyle when he was surrounded by women of all kind with no string attached. She quickly pushed those thoughts away.
She glanced at Ryouji who was oblivious to their house guest and bit her lip to stop her from saying something she would regret later. Instead she smiled and open the door wider for Chiemi to come in.
"Just come in. Ryouji is on the phone but should finish soon. I let him explained to you why I'm here."
Megumi lead her to the living room and glad to see the reaction on Ryouji's face as he realised who just walked in. He muttered something to the phone before hanging up. He looked at Megumi trying to gauge her expression but she masked it well. While Chiemi smiles sweetly before running and gave him a tight embrace.
"It's been a while!" She gushed. "You never pick up my calls anymore and didn't even tell me you went overseas. I have to hear about you're in town from your secretary!"
Ryouji looked dumbstruck and saw Megumi crossed her arms. Her eyes glittered dangerously at him. He laughed at the murderous intent she aimed at him and pushed Chiemi's hand away from him.
"I can see you're well, Chiemi. Take a seat. What brings you here today? I told you that if you need anything, contact the office." He smiled looking amused which annoyed Megumi and Chiemi at the same time. "Ah.. you have met Megumi, I see. You two know each other right?"
"Of course." They both answered in unison making him chuckled. An angry Megumi and an annoyed Chiemi. It's a very awkward moment for a guy to have his wife and past lover in the same room. He shook his head in disbelief.
"Oh! Your real name is Megumi? I heard she referred you to Ryouji instead of Akama. You two in first name basis now?" Chiemi looked at Ryouji seeking explanation.
"Of course we are." Ryouji smiled.
After no further explanation, Chiemi pouted her lips. "I see."
"I don't think you see it, Chiemi. But since you're here and to avoid future misunderstanding.. I want you to know that I'm married now." Ryouji said softly. "I thought you might want to hear it from me directly. At least you deserve that."
She stared at him in disbelief. Speechless to the news she just heard.
Megumi felt her chest tightened at the raw emotion displayed on Chiemi's face at the news. Her eyes was glassy when the words finally sinked in. She shook her head slowly and a silent sob breaks. Megumi watched as Ryouji's expression turn soft at the sight and she could see he tried to stop himself from reacting and the urge to console Chiemi.
It was painful to witnessed. There was clearly a relationship and chemistry between the two of them. It might not be the kind of love she had with Ryouji but it was intimate connection that they shared. And the thought of two of them together made her feel nauseas.
"Please tell me it's not true!" She said in between her sobs.
Ryouji closed his eyes momentarily before he opened them and found Megumi's eyes searching his.
"It's true." He said in a firm tone.
"No! It can't be!" Her sobs got louder. Megumi may not like her but it breaks her heart to see the woman's heart break.
"I'm sorry." He said curtly.
"No! Don't say that." She sobs. "This is a joke right? You used to said that to all those women just so that they back off. You're not truly married aren't you?"
Megumi remembered she too was misunderstood when she spotted the ring on his finger when she was in his office that very day they met again. Their ring. The couple ring he bought her even before she left the country. Despite all her fear and doubt, the truth was there all along. Ryouji's heart belongs to her. Even when he was playing around with other women.
"Chiemi!" Ryouji snapped at her as he lose his patience. "I. Am. Married."
"Who is she? Is she someone I know?"
"Huh?" Ryouji looked confused as he glanced at Megumi. He thought he was being clear. But obviously Chiemi didn't put two and two together. She was too disturbed by the fact that he's married.
"Megumi. My wife. Who else would it be?"
"Meg.. miki?" She sounded lost. Megumi almost feel sorry for her. Almost. She reminded herself that Chiemi had her chance. Ryouji was a free man when they were together. So now that she's back and they're married, there's simply no room for other woman on the side.
"Was she the one all this time? Was she the reason you never once look my way?" She asked in between her sobs.
Ryouji looked sad but nodded his head. "I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I thought you knew I was never looking for anything serious. My heart was never free. It was Megumi or no one."
Megumi held her breath at his honest confession. It breaks her heart to see just how much her decision hurt others indirectly. Those years of Ryouji's hopeful for her return. If only she trusted him. If only.
They talked about all the what if's so many nights. But despite all the regrets, Ryouji assured her that everything ended up just the way it meant to be. They never knew what would happen to their relationship if they stayed on. And no amount of talk can change the past.
She closed her eyes momentarily hearing Chiemi sobs filled the awkward silence.
"Now that you are well aware that I'm married, I hope you would understand that my place if off limit to any kind of visit from now on. I would appreciate it if you would get in touch with your direct manager for future contact." Ryouji said ignoring the pouring tears. Megumi knew Ryouji can be cold at times but she still find it hard to watch everything that's happening in front of her.
Chiemi's lip trembled as she broke into another sobs. Megumi knew there's nothing she can say or do that will take that pain and hurt away. If anything it will make it worse. So she said nothing.
She glanced at Ryouji in a silent plea before quietly walk away from the living room.
... ... ...
"Megumi... Megumi..." her mom's voice brought her mind back to the present.
"Sorry mom, I was..." she started.
"Miles away... " Hyoga finished it for her.
A range of kimono brochure scattered around the table. She finally saw what her mom trying to get her attention to. Her wedding preparations.
Her parents insisted on a traditional Japanese wedding. However, deep down, she would love to have a small scale western style wedding. Witnessing Hikata's wedding in such setting, she was dreaming of her own day where she walked down the altar with Ryouji waiting for her at the altar.
Megumi closed her eyes as the pressure of preparation started to overwhelmed her. Ryouji already told her she can organise anything and has busied himself with work that the only time she saw him late night after he came home from work and morning before he left. She missed their time.
Dawn has become her favourite time where they just enjoyed morning coffee and talk. She wondered if Ryouji noticed the huge difference of their time in Europe and in Japan.
She felt that during their time in Europe the past 6 months, she found Ryouji, the guy she fell in love with. The guy that she left behind.
But Ryouji Akagi the business man was another different guy. She barely recognise him. Gone were the playful and easy going Ryouji.
She tried to keep herself busy and steer clear from his daily routine at work. But she can't help noticing the distance that started to grow between them. She didn't like it but didn't do anything about it.
"... so this one then?" Her mom's voice brought her attention back to the present. She glanced at the kimono her mom picked. It's a stunningly red coloured iro uchikake kimono.
"Wow!" She heard Hyoga let out his admiration over the pick. "She would look great in that for sure."
Megumi said nothing but silently agreed. She wondered what Ryouji would say. Maybe he won't even care at all. She let out a heavy sigh at the troubling thoughts that's been lingering in her head. She needs to get herself together and get involved in her own wedding.
"I should try them on then?" She got up from table and her mom nodded encouragingly.
The shopkeeper smiled softly and lead her towards the back room without a word.
At the sight of colourful kimono as soon as they entered the room, Megumi let out a gasp. She almost forgot just how beautiful Japanese kimono and their own tradition.
She ran her hand through the Red kimono while few other ladies in waiting helped her with it.
"Shall we do a quick hair do?" One of the ladies asked her and she can only nodded. She can't stop admiring the delicate work of the kimono. It a beautiful and grand kimono that will surely cost an arm and leg as well.
"You look so stunning, Kazue" she heard her mom's voice and saw her through the mirror reflection. Her eyes was misty with tears. In that moment she was sure that it was the right thing to do having their wedding the Japanese way. Seeing Ryouji in his Hakama with Akagi's emblem probably what his parents would love to see too especially since he's the only son. Suddenly she felt a bit selfish for even considering western style wedding.
She stare at her own reflection in the mirror and was at awe at her own transformation before her. Stunning indeed.
"Can I come in too?" She heard Hyoga's voice and saw his reaction through the mirror. She had to smile at his priceless reaction.
"I can't believe my sister is getting married ! " he finally said which made her chuckled.
"I'm already married, silly!"
"I know that but to actually see you in Uchikake somehow it finally sinked in. Wow! Megumi... you looks so beautiful." He praised and somehow his comment and his genuine words made her teary.
Her wedding celebration was not just about her and Ryouji but also about her family and his family coming together as one family as a result of the marriage.
When they got married at the townhall, indirectly they robbed this moment for their families to celebrate and she's glad that Ryouji letting their families to have this moment.
"I guess that mean.. this is it then. Let's not try other one. This is it." She told them. While it's beautiful, the kimono was getting heavier to wear. She can't wait to take it off.
"I'm so happy you're doing this wedding, Kazue." Her mom whispered in a soft voice. It made her even more teary.
"I'm glad we're able to do this too, mom. "
"I hope it will all goes well." Her mom said referring to Seiji Akagi's possible interference. Megumi said nothing. They haven't seen Ryouji's dad since they arrived. Ryouji didn't mention any intention of doing so and told her to prepare for the wedding anyway she and her parents wished.
"It better be." Hyoga grunted. He remembered clearly the rejection that resulted in her scars. It was a painful memory.
"Let me get change and let's look at venues and other things so at least we covered most of it today." Megumi said trying to stay positive at the change of topic.
Hyoga and her mom nodded in agreement.
... ... ...
"Arisa, haven't you manage to get my wife on the line?" Ryouji snapped at his secretary impatiently.
"Her phone is not contactable, Sir" She answered warily. Ryouji has been in a foul mood all day and short tempered. All the staff was tiptoeing around him and trying their best not to get in his way and do as told. He's known to be unforgiving at times. He didn't tolerate mistakes lightly. Most likely because he was a hard working boss and has high expectation from his staff.
He treated them fairly, better than most companies however he also has a higher expectation.
"Where could she be?" He asked aloud while Arisa said nothing. "Keep trying and let me know when you get through to her even if I'm in a meeting, understand?"
"Yes, Sir" Arisa said quickly and redial Megumi's number.
Ryouji slammed the door of his office with a loud bang. Work has been crazy ever since they got back. Everyone wanted his attention and everything needed managing. He felt like ever since he's back from Europe, he had not spend a proper time with his wife. It's ridiculous.
He had a nagging insecurities ever since Chiemi Kai came to their apartment. Megumi said nothing about it and they never talk about it. He wasn't sure how she felt about the whole thing.
He knew she's going to her parents place today and to organise some wedding preparation but the last time she went there, she ended up leaving him.
He shook his head as if to shake his doubts away. They're married. She wouldn't leave him. Could she?
What if she's not happy in japan? What if he's not enough for her? What if coming back to japan reminded her of the future she lost in entertainment industry?
Well, if that's what she truly wants, he got all the connection she needed to get back to entertainment industry and he won't stop her from pursuing it.
He needs to talk to her. The last week since they were back, he felt her growing distant. He didn't like it.
The knock on the door made him look up and found Arisa peeking at the door, looking worried.
"Did you get her on the phone? Is she ok?" He stood up leaving his paperworks scattered on the table.
She shook her head. "It's not contactable Sir. I even tried calling your home but no answer too. And I made the initiative to call her parents house too but not answered as well. I'm not sure who else I can call."
He ran his fingers through his hair in clear frustration. Where could she be?
He glanced at his watch on his wrist. It's almost 9 pm. He didn't realise he's working so late again.
"Thanks Arisa. Just pack up and leave for the night. I'm off too. I can't work like this." He let out an angry sigh before taking off his suit jacket and car keys with him.
Arisa bowed as he passed and he can see the relief on her face to be able to get off work finally.
He drove as fast as he could and eagerly reaching the penthouse but to his disappointment, it was empty.
He dialled Hyoga's phone. Something he should have done much earlier.
"Hyoga speaking" he answered after few seconds.
"Ah Hyoga! So glad to hear someone's phone is actually working. Do you know where my wife is?"
He heard Hyoga chuckled. "Whoa? Lost her already before the official wedding?"
"It's no joke! I was trying to call her all afternoon into evening. My secretary even called your house."
"Ah... sorry man! We were out earlier and i just got back. Megumi should be home too. I didn't think she brought her phone with her."
Ryouji took a deep breath in frustration. He was hungry and restless.
"Never mind. I will try to see if she's in the old apartment."
"Ok. Don't worry.. she's not going anywhere." Hyoga said after a pause as if he knew how he felt.
Ryouji said nothing. He wasn't entirely sure about that. His own mom left him and his dad despite being married and have a son. Women can just leave regardless commitment.
A sound at the door made him walk over to the living room and saw Megumi walked in. He felt relief at the sight of her.
"Never mind. She's here. Thanks man. Talk later" Ryouji said before hanging up on Hyoga. He didn't wait for what Hyoga might said.
"Ah .. you're home. That's early." Megumi smiled but stopped when he grabbed her and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Ry.. Ryouji?"
"You has me worried!" He scolded without letting her go.
"Worried? Why? I was with my mom and Hyoga all day... wedding preparations.." she tried to remind him but he wasn't listening.
"Don't do that ever again!"
Megumi's eyes widened in surprise. His face was full of anger and his tone was harsh. What exactly did she do?
"I didn't.."
"You didn't answer you phone... I can't find you anywhere.. no one can reach you.." he continued. "Don't. Do. That. Ever. Again!"
She was stunned as he gritted each words. What was wrong with him? Is this how it will be? Typical marriage where he will tell her what to do and what not to do? She knew he can be a control freak and a jealous guy but didn't think marriage will means he would show ownership like that.
"Why are you yelling? I left my phone.. "
"I was worried! I couldn't get in touch with you!" He run his fingers through his hair in clear frustration. "Do you even realise what's been going through my mind? I thought you decided to leave me.. AGAIN!"
Megumi blinked a few times as the words sank in. Watching the frustration and anger in Ryouji's face while his voice trembled with hurt and betrayal.
Was that how she made him feel when she left him last time? Part of her wanted to run and assured him that she will never leave him but part of her angry at the way he treated her.
She took a deep breath before she stared him down.
"I'm sorry if I made you worry. And you have no idea how much I regretted leaving you back then. We have talked about this so many times. But we're married now, Ryouji. I'm yours... till death do us part. I took my vow and marriage seriously. I will never leave you. Ever! You just have to believe that and stop exploding each time you can't reach me. I'm not going anywhere."
He took a deep breath as if trying to control his emotion.
"I thought marrying you will be enough but today I can't stop thinking what if you leave... what if even when we have children together it will still won't be enough? .. my mom did!" His voice trembled and it broke her heart.
She pulled him into her embrace and felt his arms around her tightly.
"You have to stop doing that Ryouji. If only you knew how much I drove myself crazy with all the what if's of your past lifestyle. Wondering if I would be enough. If you Missed all those women. Wondering if one day you will get back to that kind of lifestyles..."
"I do that to stop myself from going crazy waiting for you! Didn't you noticed I stop seeing any woman the moment we dated long time ago. And I never look at other woman ever since you walked back into my life."
Megumi sighed. "I know! I know! That's why I'm trying to assure myself that too. Just like you should know I won't leave you. I didn't leave you because I want to leave you. I left because I felt like I had no choice."
Ryouji shook his head in disbelief. "I think you should just come to work with me. Stay where I can keep an eye on you."
Megumi hit his chest hard at the remark.
"I'm not a dog!"
He laughed and sat himself at the sofa dragging her along with him.
"Don't give me idea. Putting a collar on you is a tempting thought and good leash."
"Seriously, Ryouji. Just because we are married doesn't mean you have total control over me like that. I trust you enough to not question you about all your playmates. At least respect me enough to let me live a life without being on your constant watch."
Ryouji shook his head in disbelief, feeling annoyed that Megumi such a hard headed woman. But she was always value her independence and he had to adjust and respect that.
"Fine! At least bring your phone with you and let me know your whereabouts. Fair?"
She nodded reluctantly. She wasn't happy but she knew she had to compromise. They both had to. Back to japan was a whole new lifestyle they both had to adjust as married couple and individual.
In Europe, they both only had each other but in Japan, they had their family, company, and friends that they will want to spend their time and focus on. The honeymoon phase was truly over. They have to face the reality.
"Have you eaten? I'm hungry now. Shall we go to the ramen place?" Ryouji asked tiredly.
Megumi smiled. "I ate with mom and Hyoga. Let me cook you something. Go shower! When you are done... dinner will be ready"
"Sounds great!" He replies tiredly.
Megumi watched as he made his way to the room. They had so much to adjust to. She let out a sigh. One day at a time.
She was excited to come home and tell him about her day and how she found the perfect kimono and perfect reception area but that will have to wait for another time.